Taye Currency Faces Backlash Over ‘Madness’ Lyrics at Olubadan Coronation
- Nigeria News
- 28.09.2025
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Taye Currency Faces Backlash Over ‘Madness’ Lyrics at Olubadan Coronation
Fuji musician Taye Currency has come under intense criticism following his performance at the coronation of Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The choice of Currency as the lead performer at the historic event, held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, has sparked widespread outrage.
During his performance, Currency sang a line in Yoruba, “were la fi n wo were” (“madness is used to cure madness”), which many attendees and cultural stakeholders deemed flippant and inappropriate for such a solemn occasion. Clips of the performance quickly went viral on social media, igniting debates about respect, tradition, and artistry at state events.
Observers across Ibadan’s cultural and traditional circles expressed disappointment, arguing that the coronation of an Olubadan — the highest throne in Ibadanland — demanded artistry of the highest calibre. Many critics claimed that another Fuji star, such as Saheed Osupa, would have delivered a more fitting and culturally sensitive performance for the ceremony.
Some even questioned why the coronation committee opted for an artiste known for a brash, energetic style instead of one whose music is ceremonially respectful.
On social platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the backlash was immediate and intense. Viral clips of Currency’s performance prompted users to mock his delivery and suggest that the moment diminished the dignity of Ibadan’s most revered stool.
“Osupa would have understood the cultural mood. Currency was singing like it was a motor park carnival,” one user posted.
“This was not a housewarming or political rally. It was the coronation of an Olubadan. Currency fell short. Full stop,” another netizen wrote.
Hashtags emerged, demanding organisers take more care in selecting artists for state and traditional functions in the future.
Critics also directed their anger at the coronation committee, accusing them of prioritising loyalty and politics over quality and tradition. Cultural stakeholders lamented that “Ibadan deserves better” and suggested that the committee should have invited Saheed Osupa or K1 De Ultimate, artists whose music carries both grace and weight appropriate for royal ceremonies.
Despite the backlash, not everyone agreed with the outrage. Loyalists of Taye Currency defended his performance, arguing that he was simply doing his job as a hired musician. According to supporters, the singer delivered his usual energetic style and meant no disrespect to the Olubadan or the audience.
Some of Currency’s fans also accused critics of double standards. “If Osupa had sung the same line, people would have laughed and clapped,” one supporter wrote online. “Because it is Currency, they are making noise. He gave the people entertainment, nothing more.”
Despite the defences, the general consensus among stakeholders remains harsh. The choice of Taye Currency has been painted as a misstep that overshadowed what should have been a flawless celebration of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
So far, Currency and his team have refused to comment on the controversy, leaving critics and supporters to continue debating in the court of public opinion.
